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Best known for his role in "Blade" and "Passenger 57," Snipes got in trouble with the law after failing to pay his taxes this year. He is serving a prison sentence for misdemeanor failure to file U.S. federal income tax returns, and the star is likely celebrating his milestone birthday behind bars today.

Native to Orlando, Florida, Wesley Trent Snipes grew up in The Bronx, New York City. He began studying martial arts at age 12, and at age 23 made his film debut in 1986's "Wildcats."

Among his many films are hit action films such as "Demolition Man" alongside Sylvester Stallone, "Money Train," "U.S. Marshals," and "Rising Sun." His successful comedies include "White Men Can't Jump" and "To Wong Foo," among others.

Snipes was forced to turn down a role in "The Expendables" due to his inability to leave the country at the court's order. The film will see a reboot with stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone later this year.

The actor has a varied past when it comes to his love life. Snipes was romantically linked to women including Jada Pinkett Smith, Halle Berry, and Jennifer Lopez.

In 2003, the actor wed painter Nakyung "Nikki" Park, with whom he shares four children.

Raised a Christian, Snipes converted to Islam in 1978, but in 1988, left Islam.

In an interview from 1991, Snipes explained, "[Islam made] me more conscious of what African people have accomplished, of my self-worth, [and gave] me some self-dignity," according to Ebony magazine at the time.

On Twitter, the actor's dedicated fans are wishing Snipes a happy 50th birthday.

"Happy Birthday Wesley," wrote Dani, while Tom remembered Snipes was in prison, writing, "He is due out in July 2013."